North Korea successfully tests latest air defense missile system

The test was conducted by the North's Rocket Administration on Thursday to comprehensively evaluate the combat performance of the system being mass-produced at a weapons factory.

North Korea's test of a new anti-aircraft missile system on March 20, 2025. Photo: KCNA

KCNA said that Mr. Kim Jong Un and key members of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea participated in the inspection and assessed that this missile system has outstanding rapid combat response capability and high reliability.

Images released by North Korean media showed a missile being launched into the sky, hitting its target and exploding, while Mr. Kim Jong Un smiled with satisfaction at the test results.

Mr. Kim declared that the North Korean military will be equipped with “an advanced anti-aircraft weapon system with commendable combat performance.” He also thanked the research team and the defense industry for their contributions to strengthening the country’s defense capabilities.

North Korea's missile test came as South Korea and the United States wrapped up their annual joint military exercise, Freedom Shield, on Thursday.

Cao Phong (according to KCNA, Yonhap)